At the 51st edition of the César Awards, Jim Carrey was met with thunderous applause as he accepted the Honorary Award, a distinction traditionally reserved for an international film figure. Introduced by Michel Gondry, who directed him in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” Carrey addressed the audience entirely in French, blending reflection, gratitude, and humor. His full remarks were later shared by Variety.
A Career Shaped by Art, Heritage, and Gratitude
“As an actor, each character you play is like clay in the sculptor’s hands, which you shape to your heart’s desire. How fortunate I have been to share this art with so many people who have truly opened their hearts to me.” With these words, Carrey framed his decades long career as an act of creation and connection, emphasizing the vulnerability and collaboration at the core of performance.
He then turned to his ancestry, revealing that “about 300 years ago, my great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc François Carré, yes, Carré, was born in France, in Saint Malo” before emigrating to Canada. Tying his lineage to the evening’s honor, he added, “Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square has come full circle,” embracing both the linguistic play on his surname and the symbolic return to his family’s origins.
Gratitude remained at the heart of his remarks. “Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson. I love you now and forever. Thank you to my sublime companion, Mina. I love you, Mina. And finally, thank you to the funniest man I have ever known: my father. Percy Joseph Carrey who taught me the value of love, generosity, and laughter.” The tribute underscored how deeply his personal life has informed his public artistry.
He closed on a self aware note that brought warmth and laughter to the room. “So, how was my French? Almost mediocre, right? Forgive me, I didn’t speak French, but I’m just learning it. My tongue is tired.” The humility of the moment capped an evening that celebrated not just a body of work, but the heart behind it.